Hollywood Sign crowds fuel Angeles residents’ lawsuits seeking stronger city action on traffic and safety

Residents seek stronger city action

A group of people living near the Hollywood Sign has sued the city of Los Angeles over crowds drawn to the landmark. The lawsuits describe traffic jams and other conditions that residents say amount to a public nuisance.

According to the lawsuit, congestion could make evacuation during a fire difficult or impossible. Residents also point to cigarette butts discarded in an area where smoking is prohibited.

Crowds and safety incidents

On Sept. 27, a fight broke out beneath the sign between e-bike riders and a car’s driver. Neighbors shared cellphone video of the confrontation.

City points to enforcement efforts

Mayor Karen Bass’ Office said it had not seen the lawsuit. It told CBS California Investigates that the Los Angeles Police Department had assigned additional units during peak congestion periods for traffic and parking enforcement.

Raman’s office said it has worked on the issue since she took office, funding additional LAPD and Los Angeles Department of Transportation presence. Weekend deployments since May have brought more ticketing and towing, using Raman’s discretionary funds; her office called it its largest investment to date.

Residents question measures’ impact

The city installed signs in mid-May restricting weekend and holiday parking. Cobb said those steps had not meaningfully reduced the problem because too many people were gathering in too small an area.

City traffic-camera data show the problem is worsening. Neighbors also raise public-health concerns, saying food vendors who are often unlicensed leave plastic gloves, sanitary wipes and used toilet paper behind.